Exercise, 281 



At the same time, it is equally clear to me, that, in order to lessen 

 this enormous mortality, we have not, by any means, so miich to learn, 

 as we have to unlearn. "^ 



For, the lessons of instinct are plain and simple. To enable us to 

 understand these, no learning" is necessary to be obtained ; in order 

 to decipher them, no midnight oil need to be expended ; they are 

 written in broad and legible characters, in the great book of nature, 

 by the finger of the Deity. 



But, the grand difficulty in the way of improvement, is, that thick 

 mist of prejudice, which obscures the mental optics, and prevents 

 most people from discerning, not only what is merciful and just, but. 

 even, that which is oeconomical and politic. \ ' 



If, however, we could but once be prevailed upon, to shake off the 

 trammels of custom, to forsake the beaten track of fashion, and to 

 tread in the path of nature and simplicity, not only would the great 

 cause of humanity, be effectually served by the change, but, ere any 

 great length of time could elapse, men would be led to dicover, that 

 iheir own interest is more intimately connected with mercy, in the 

 treatment of these animals, than at first blush would seem to be the 

 case But as long as people of the higher classes shall continue to 

 advocate, indirectly, the cause of folly and cruelty, by stickling for 

 the present absurd system of treating Horses, the prospect of amend- 

 ment seems, indeed, distant, and any rational expectation of seeing 

 the thing accomplished, utterly hopeless. 



Thus, how often may one person of the above description, be 

 heard to say, I cannot bear to ride a Horse witli a rough coat, and 

 therefore I will not give up the plan of cloathing, nor ihat of main- 

 taining a comfortable warmth in my stal3les ? 



3Z 



